State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad at a meeting with followers of traditional religions at Badeshwari Temple in Boda Upazila of Panchagarh on Friday. Photo: BSS

PANCHAGARH, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Forhad 
Hossain Azad today said the BNP government will ensure no evil or bigoted 
force can ever again bind the nation in the shackles of dependency.

The State Minister made these remarks while addressing an exchange meeting 
with the Sanatan community at the Bodeshwari Temple in Boda upazila here. 

Providing firm assurances regarding religious freedom and national 
sovereignty, he emphasized that the current administration remains in a 
vigilant position to ensure that members of the Sanatan community can conduct 
their religious activities independently and peacefully.

"I provide you with the assurance on behalf of the BNP government that no 
evil force or bigoted force will ever be able to bind us in the shackles of 
dependency again," the State Minister told the gathering, asserting the 
government's commitment to protecting the nation's hard-won freedom from 
fanatical influences.

Reflecting on the political mandate of the current administration, Azad 
described the recent national elections as critically important for the 
future of Bangladesh. 

The government was formed after securing a decisive 214-seat majority, 
framing this electoral strength as a clear mandate to protect all citizens, 
he noted. 

He expressed his sincere gratitude to his Sanatan brothers and sisters for 
their votes and support, which he identified as a vital component of the 
election outcome.

The State Minister further pledged that the government would provide all-out 
cooperation to ensure the community can perform 'Puja-Archana' in a secure 
and dignified environment. 

He outlined a strategy of support based on maintaining a vigilant state 
presence to deter any forces attempting to disrupt communal harmony. 

Azad also signaled a shift toward deeper personal engagement, stating his 
intent to maintain direct relationships and accessibility for community 
members rather than observing a purely formal political distance.

The meeting was attended by Bodeshwari Temple President Nitish Kumar Mukul 
Bakshi along with a large number of Sanatan community members and local BNP 
activists. 

The event concluded in an atmosphere of mutual respect, with attendees 
expressing optimism regarding the government's commitment to democratic 
stability and religious neutrality.